Volunteer to be part of the RAGBRAI action

June 1, 2017

The preparation days for RAGBRAI are becoming numbered. July 23 is now just 50 days away; with over 12,000 bicycle enthusiasts from around the world converging on Spencer for an overnight stop, there is still much to be done.

Some deadlines have officially passed. The Vendor Application deadline was June 1. The committee is now sorting through applications and placing food vendors who will help feed hungry bikers.

Housing applications are still open, and RAGBRAI hosts are needed! Right now more than 1500 of the RAGBRAI riders are looking for private camping or home locations. Anyone in the Spencer area can help! You can offer parking for a motor home, yard area for camping, floor space, or beds. Hosts are not required to transport or feed riders and are not allowed to charge for accommodations. This is a terrific opportunity to meet people from across the United States. Committee volunteers will match riders to available housing prior to July 23rd.

As the day gets closer, the Spencer RAGBRAI committee knows that volunteers are key to the success of hosting RAGBRAI. With an estimated 500 or more local volunteers will be needed before, during and the day after the event, signing up early makes sure that you can help when you want and where you want.

If you want to be in the heart of the action, a great place to volunteer is Beverage Garden. Sell tickets, serve beverages, and check identification for wristband placement. This committee will need help setting up on Saturday, July 22, staffing the beverage garden on Sunday, July 23 and clean up of the area on Monday, July 24. Volunteers working in the beverage area may be required to attend a TIPS training session on how to check I.D.’s and identify warning signs of over indulgence of alcohol.

Entertainment is also in need of volunteers before, during and after July 23. Volunteers can help distribute posters throughout the community inviting the public to enjoy the festivities. There will also be help needed with general setup of the stage and entertainment area within the beverage garden as well as assisting band members with any special needs and assist with stage change-outs.

For more information on being a part of the Spencer RAGBRAI 2017 team, email: volunteers@spencerragbrai.com or call the Spencer Chamber of Commerce at 712-262-5680.

Keep up to date with Spencer RAGBRAI information. We encourage you to follow along with the process, and most importantly get involved! Please continue to watch the website www.spencerragbrai.com, Facebook page and especially this column for specific requests and updates! Spencer has a reputation of being one of the best RAGBRAI stops and we want to make sure that as this year’s riders leave town they can’t wait to come back and visit, even if it’s not on two wheels.